Cower

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aÊŠÉ™(ɹ)

From Middle Low German kuren or from Scandinavian (Icelandic kúra ("to doze")). Compare German kauern ("to squat"). Unrelated to coward, which is of Latin origin.

Full definition of cower

Verb

1. To crouch or cringe in fear.He'd be useless in war. He'd just cower in his bunker until the enemy came in and shot him, or until the war was over.
• DrydenOur dame sits cowering o'er a kitchen fire.
• GoldsmithLike falcons, cowering on the nest.

Verb

1. (obsolete, transitive) To cherish with care.